Welshpool 189-5 beat Newtown 148-5 by 41 runs

WELSHPOOL continue to set the pace at the top of the Wales and West League following a 41 run derby win over old rivals Newtown IIs at Maesydre.

Pool lost opener Nick Davies early, caught by Iwan Smout off Brandon Baynham (1-14) for three.

However surviving opener Paul Chapman was joined by Lance Parkes in a fruitful second wicket partnership.

Both contributed as the home side worked the scoreboard.

Chapman was eventually caught by John Barty off Danny Foulkes for 44 while Dan Chodecki fell to Griff Davies (1-30) for 18.

Foulkes completed his 2-44 with the prize wicket of Parkes who was caught by Alan Jarman for a top scoring 85.

Patrick Davies (16) was run out before Joe Cadwallader (10no) and Mat McWhinnie (1no) guided Pool to 189-5 to defend.

Robert Anderson (1-29) celebrated the early wicket of opener Iwan Smout in reply, caught by Parkes for just one.

However surviving opener Foulkes formed a solid second wicket stand alongside Ralph Barraclough as the visitors made solid inroads toward their target.

Barraclough was caught by McWhinnie off Patrick Davies (1-19) for 25.

Matt Humphreys did not last long at the crease, falling to Dan Cadwallader (1-10) for three.

Veteran Richard Smout joined Foulkes for the fourth wicket as the duo upped the run rate and once again threatened to close on their set target.

However Smout was bowled by McWhinnie for 33.

McWhinnie completed his 2-20 with the wicket of Griff Davies (6).

Foulkes (64no) was joined by Alan Jarman (5no) in an unbroken sixth wicket stand to steer Town to 148-5 but it was not enough to prevent Pool toasting a comfortable margin of victory to extend their lead at the top of the table.